EP2891525B1 - Ultraschallsonde - Google Patents

Ultraschallsonde Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2891525B1
EP2891525B1 EP14187033.7A EP14187033A EP2891525B1 EP 2891525 B1 EP2891525 B1 EP 2891525B1 EP 14187033 A EP14187033 A EP 14187033A EP 2891525 B1 EP2891525 B1 EP 2891525B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
backing layer
layer
backing
ultrasonic probe
curvature
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP14187033.7A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
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EP2891525A1 (de
Inventor
In Seong Song
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Samsung Medison Co Ltd
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Samsung Medison Co Ltd
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP2891525A1 publication Critical patent/EP2891525A1/de
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Publication of EP2891525B1 publication Critical patent/EP2891525B1/de
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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D13/00—Urinals ; Means for connecting the urinal to the flushing pipe and the wastepipe; Splashing shields for urinals
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/44—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device
    • A61B8/4483—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device characterised by features of the ultrasound transducer
    • A61B8/4488—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device characterised by features of the ultrasound transducer the transducer being a phased array
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/44—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device
    • A61B8/4483—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device characterised by features of the ultrasound transducer
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/44—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device
    • A61B8/4444—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device related to the probe
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/44—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device
    • A61B8/4483—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device characterised by features of the ultrasound transducer
    • A61B8/4494—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device characterised by features of the ultrasound transducer characterised by the arrangement of the transducer elements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B06—GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS IN GENERAL
    • B06B—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS OF INFRASONIC, SONIC, OR ULTRASONIC FREQUENCY, e.g. FOR PERFORMING MECHANICAL WORK IN GENERAL
    • B06B1/00—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency
    • B06B1/02—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy
    • B06B1/06—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
    • B06B1/0607—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction using multiple elements
    • B06B1/0622—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction using multiple elements on one surface
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D9/00—Sanitary or other accessories for lavatories ; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting the toilet room or the toilet bowl; Devices for eliminating smells
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10K11/00—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound in general; Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
    • G10K11/18—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound
    • G10K11/26—Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning
    • G10K11/32—Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning characterised by the shape of the source
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/46—Ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic devices with special arrangements for interfacing with the operator or the patient
    • A61B8/467—Ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic devices with special arrangements for interfacing with the operator or the patient characterised by special input means
    • A61B8/469—Ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic devices with special arrangements for interfacing with the operator or the patient characterised by special input means for selection of a region of interest

Definitions

  • the ultrasonic probe 10 may include the piezoelectric layer 30 formed of a piezoelectric material that converts an electric signal into mechanical vibration energy thereby generating an ultrasonic wave.
  • the lens layer 60 may be installed to cover the top surface and the side surfaces of the protective layer 50.
  • the lens layer 60 may be formed of a low attenuation material in order to prevent attenuation of ultrasonic signals generated by the piezoelectric layer 30.
  • a low viscosity epoxy resin such as DER322 or an epoxy such as DEH24 may be used.
  • Various other materials may also be used to form the lens layer 60 to prevent attenuation of ultrasonic signals. As such, sensitivity of the ultrasonic signals may be improved by preparing the lens layer 60 using a low attenuation material.
  • the lens layer 60 is installed to cover portions of kerfs of the acoustic module 100 that constitute the side surfaces of the acoustic module 100, crosstalk may be reduced.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section of an ultrasonic probe in which a central backing material layer among a plurality of backing material layers of a second backing layer 43 is fixed to a first backing layer 41 to prevent horizontal movement of the central backing layer.
  • the first backing layer 41 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the piezoelectric layer 30 parallel to the piezoelectric layer 30.
  • the first backing layer 41 may be formed of epoxy, ceramic, metal, or the like, e.g., in powder form, to prevent backward transmission of the ultrasonic waves and vibrations generated in the piezoelectric layer 30.
  • powders of epoxy, ceramic, and metal may be mixed in a predetermined ratio to synthesize the first backing layer 41.
  • various other materials to attenuate the ultrasonic waves and vibrations proceeding backward may also be used to form the first backing layer 41.
  • the shape, location, and operation principle of the second backing layer adjusting units 71 will be described later.
  • an upper portion, adjacent to the first backing layer 41, of each of the backing material layers of the second backing layer 43 may have a greater thickness than a lower portion thereof such that the second backing layer adjusting units 72, which move vertically, are provided between the lower portions of the backing material layers.
  • the lower portions of the backing material layers may have a slope with a predetermined angle or a gently curved surface so as to facilitate vertical movement of the second backing layer adjusting units 72.
  • the second backing layer adjusting units 72 may have a circular shape suitable for vertical movement along the backing material layers of the second backing layer 43 having the slopes or gently curved surfaces.
  • the second backing layer adjusting units 72 may also have various other shapes suitable for vertical movement along the slopes or gently curved surfaces of the backing material layers.
  • the ultrasonic probe may have a wider focal zone as the second backing layer adjusting units 72 move downward to lower portions of the backing material layers.
  • the second backing layer adjusting units 72 move downward to the lower portions of the backing material layers, the lower width of the second backing layer 43 is reduced, so that the plurality of backing material layers are disposed parallel to each other.
  • the curvature of the first backing layer 41 is decreased, thereby enlarging the focal zone of the ultrasonic probe.
  • an ultrasonic probe including fixing units 42a disposed at both sides of the second backing layer 43 to fix a plurality of backing material layers according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 7 .
  • the ultrasonic probe may include a matching layer 20, a piezoelectric layer 30, a lens layer 60, and a backing layer.
  • the backing layer may include a first backing layer 42 and a second backing layer 43.
  • the first backing layer 42 may include fixing units 42a at both sides of the second backing layer 43 to fix upper portions of a plurality of backing material layers.
  • the first backing layer 42 may include the fixing units 42a such that only intervals between lower portions of the plurality of backing material layers are increased, and intervals between upper portions of the backing material layers are constantly maintained using the second backing layer adjusting units 71a, which do not move vertically, or the second backing layer adjusting units 72, which move vertically.
  • the first backing layer 42 may also have various other shapes to adjust only intervals between lower portions of the backing material layers.
  • a material used to form the fixing units 42a may be the same as or different from that used to form the first backing layer 42 of the ultrasonic probe in which the central backing material layer among the plurality of backing material layers of the second backing layer 43 is fixed to the first backing layer 42 to prevent horizontal movement of the central backing material and maintain ultrasonic wave absorbing performance.
  • FIG. 8A is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method of decreasing a curvature of a second backing layer 43 of an ultrasonic probe in which fixing units 42a fix a plurality of backing material layers of the second backing layer 43, without vertical movement of second backing layer adjusting units 71.
  • FIG. 8B is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method of increasing the curvature of the second backing layer 43 of the ultrasonic probe in which the fixing units 42a fix the plurality of backing material layers of the second backing layer 43, without vertical movement of the second backing layer adjusting units 71a.
  • the second backing layer adjusting units 72 which move vertically, may be disposed between the lower portions of the backing material layers.
  • the second backing layer adjusting units 72 may control the lower width of the second backing layer 43 via only vertical movement without adjusting the width of each of the second backing layer adjusting units 72.
  • the ultrasonic probe may have a wider focal zone by vertically moving the second backing layer adjusting units 72 downward to the lower portions of the backing material layers.
  • the second backing layer adjusting units 72 move downward to lower portions of the backing material layers, the lower width of the second backing layer 43 is reduced, so that the plurality of backing material layers are disposed parallel to each other.
  • the curvature of the first backing layer 42 is decreased, thereby enlarging the focal zone of the ultrasonic probe.
  • FIG. 10A is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method of decreasing a curvature of a first backing layer of an ultrasonic probe in which a first backing layer 44 includes barrier walls 44b, without vertical movement of a first backing layer adjusting unit 71b.
  • FIG. 10B is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method of increasing the curvature of the first backing layer 44 of the ultrasonic probe in which the first backing layer includes barrier walls 44b, without vertical movement of the first backing layer adjusting unit 71b.
  • the ultrasonic probe may include a matching layer 20, a piezoelectric layer 30, a lens layer 60, and a backing layer.
  • the backing layer may include a first backing layer 44 and a second backing layer 45.
  • Functions and shapes of the matching layer 20, the piezoelectric layer 30, the lens layer 60, and the second backing layer 45 may be the same as or different from those of the aforementioned ultrasonic probe in which a central backing material layer among the plurality of backing material layers of the second backing layer 45 is fixed to the first backing layer 44 not to move horizontally.
  • a material used to form the barrier walls 44b of the first backing layer 44 may be the same as or different from a material used to form the first backing layer 44 of the ultrasonic probe in which the first backing layer adjusting unit 71b is fixed to the first backing layer 44 such that the first backing layer adjusting unit 71b directly controls the curvature of the first backing layer 44 and the barrier walls 44b maintain ability to absorb ultrasonic waves.
  • the first backing layer adjusting unit 71b which does not move vertically, may be disposed in a space defined by the bottom surface of the plurality of backing material layers and the barrier walls 44b of the first backing layer 44.
  • the first backing layer adjusting unit 71a may adjust the interval between lower portions of the barrier walls 44b by adjusting only the width of the first backing layer adjusting unit 71a without vertical movement.
  • the shape, location, and operation principle of the first backing layer adjusting unit 71b, which does not move vertically, will be described later.
  • the ultrasonic probe may have a wider focal zone by horizontally contracting the first backing layer adjusting unit 71b.
  • the first backing layer adjusting unit 71b contracts horizontally, the lower interval between the barrier walls 44b of the first backing layer 44 is reduced so that the barrier walls 44b of the first backing layer 44 are disposed parallel to each other.
  • the curvature of the first backing layer 44 is decreased, thereby enlarging the focal zone of the ultrasonic probe.
  • the ultrasonic probe may have a narrower focal zone by horizontally expanding the first backing layer adjusting unit 71b.
  • the first backing layer adjusting unit 71b expands horizontally, the lower interval between the barrier walls 44b of the first backing layer 44 increases, and an upper interval between the barrier walls 44b of the first backing layer 44 is maintained since the upper portions of the barrier walls 44b are fixed to the ceiling 44a. Accordingly, the barrier walls 44b of the first backing layer 44 are slanted.
  • the first backing layer adjusting unit 71b increases the lower interval between the barrier walls 44b of the first backing layer 44, the curvature of the first backing layer 44 is increased, thereby narrowing the focal zone of the ultrasonic probe.
  • FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating curvature 90, height 93, horizontal displacement 95, and Vertical displacement 94 of the first backing layer 44 including the barrier walls 44b.
  • FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating curvature 90.
  • the curvature 90 (k) is a directional variation of ⁇ , which is a variation of exterior angle 92 between tangential lines of points A and B.
  • the curvature 90 (k) may be an absolute value of ⁇ / ⁇ s, when ⁇ s converges on 0.
  • the curvature 90 (k) may be a value acquired by differentiate ⁇ , which is an exterior angle 92 between tangential lines of points A and B, with respect to s, as the distance 91.
  • Dashed lines of FIG. 11 indicate the shape of the first backing layer 44 including the barrier walls 44b when the lower interval between the barrier walls 44b of the first backing layer 44 is reduced by the first backing layer adjusting unit 71b.
  • Solid lines of FIG. 11 indicate the first backing layer 44 including the barrier walls 44b when the lower interval between the barrier walls 44b of the first backing layer 44 is increased by the first backing layer adjusting unit 71b.
  • the height 93 of the barrier walls 44b of the first backing layer 44 is a variable uncontrollable by the first backing layer adjusting unit 71b
  • the curvature 90 of the first backing layer 44 is a variable controllable by the first backing layer adjusting unit 71b.
  • the Vertical displacement 94 is a variation of the ceiling 44a of the first backing layer 44 including the barrier walls 44b in the vertical direction when the lower interval between the barrier walls 44b of the first backing layer 44 is adjusted by the first backing layer adjusting unit 71b.
  • the horizontal displacement 95 is a variation of the barrier walls 44b of the first backing layer 44 in the horizontal direction when the lower interval between the barrier walls 44b of the first backing layer 44 is adjusted by the first backing layer adjusting unit 71b.
  • Table 1 Array of transducer module Width of opening of transducer module [mm] Height of barrier wall [mm] Curvature [mm] Vertical displacement [mm] Horizontal displacement [mm] Phased array 14 10 65-90 0.105 0.303 Linear array 4 5 10-18 0.102 0.923 5 5 10-18 0.089 1.180 14 10 120-160 0.051 0.104
  • Table 1 shows the curvatures 90, the Vertical displacements 94, and the horizontal displacements 95 of the first backing layer 44 including the barrier walls 44b with respect to the width of an opening of the transducer module and the height 93 of the barrier walls 44b when the transducer modules are arranged in a phased or linear array.
  • the shape and characteristics of the ultrasonic probe are not limited by the variables listed in Table 1 and the arrangement of the transducer modules, and appropriate variables may be selected according to the lens layer 60, the matching layer 20, the piezoelectric layer 30, the backing layer, other components, regions to be diagnosed, and other grounds.
  • backing layer adjusting units to change a curvature of a backing layer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 13A to 15B .
  • FIG. 13A is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method of decreasing a curvature of a backing layer without vertical movement of a backing layer adjusting unit 71a including an actuator 75.
  • FIG. 13B is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method of increasing the curvature of the backing layer without vertical movement of the backing layer adjusting unit 71a including the actuator 75.
  • the upper and lower panels 73 may respectively be disposed at upper and lower portions of the backing layer adjusting unit 71a to be connected to the air bag 74.
  • the upper and lower panels 73 may be connected to the air bag 74 such that air inside the backing layer adjusting unit 71a does not leak to the outside.
  • the upper and lower panels 73 may be formed of a rigid material such that the backing layer adjusting unit 71a expands in volume only in the horizontal direction, not in the vertical direction.
  • a material used to form the backing layer adjusting unit 71a may include metal or carbon allotrope such as carbon nanotube (CNT), graphite, and graphene.
  • the upper and lower panels 73 may be formed of various materials suitable for volumetric expansion of the backing layer adjusting unit 71a only in the horizontal direction and preventing leakage of air to the outside.
  • the air bag 74 may be connected to the upper and lower panels 73 and air may be introduced into and discharged out of the air bag 74 by the actuator 75.
  • the inside of the air bag 74 may be shielded from the outside such that air flows into and out of the air bag 74 through only the actuator 75.
  • the air bag 74 may have elasticity suitable for volumetric change in accordance with air introduced and discharged by the actuator 75.
  • the air bag 74 may be formed of a plastic or rubber. Various other materials that may shield internal air from the outside and have elasticity suitable for volumetric expansion may also be used to form the air bag 74.
  • the actuator 75 may expand the volume of the air bag 74 by introducing external air into the air bag 74 by increasing a hydraulic pressure according to a control signal and may contract the volume of the air bag 74 by discharging internal air out of the air bag 74 by decreasing the hydraulic pressure, thereby providing power to control a curvature of the first backing layer.
  • the actuator 75 is exemplarily described, and various other devices capable of introducing external air into the air bag 74 and discharging internal air out of the air bag 74 may also be used.
  • the air inlet 76a is disposed inside the air bag 74 and is connected to the actuator 75 so as to transfer external air provided by the actuator 75 into the air bag 74 or transfer internal air of the air bag 74 to the actuator 75 such that the actuator 75 discharges the internal air of the air bag 74 to the outside, in accordance with the change in the hydraulic pressure.
  • the air outlet 76b is disposed outside the upper and lower panels 73 and the air bag 74 and is connected to the actuator 75 so as to transfer external air to the actuator 75 or discharge internal air of the air bag 74 provided by the actuator 75, in accordance with the change in the hydraulic pressure.
  • the air outlet 76b may have various other shapes suitable for allowing the actuator 75 to introduce external air into the air bag 74 or to discharge internal air out of the air bag 74.
  • a material used to form the air outlet 76b may be the same as or different form that used to form the air inlet 76a.
  • a controller when a controller receives an input signal to diagnose a region to be diagnosed in a long focal length, the controller transmits a control signal to the actuator 75. Then, an inner hydraulic pressure of the actuator 75 is reduced, and the actuator 75 draws internal air of the air bag 74. Then, the internal air of the air bag 74 may be transferred to the actuator 75 through the air inlet 76a, and the actuator 75 may discharge the air to the outside through the air outlet 76b. Then, as the air bag 74 contracts in volume only in the horizontal direction, the interval between the barrier walls decreases, thereby decreasing the curvature of the first backing layer.
  • the curvature of the piezoelectric layer 30 disposed on the top surface of the first backing layer and having flexibility and the curvature of the matching layer 20 disposed on the top surface of the piezoelectric layer 30 and having flexibility decrease in accordance with the decreased curvature of the first backing layer.
  • the focal length of the ultrasonic probe increases.
  • the controller when the controller receives an input signal to diagnose a region to be diagnosed in a short focal length, the controller transmits a control signal to the actuator 75. Then, an inner hydraulic pressure of the actuator 75 is increased, and the actuator 75 draws external air of the air bag 74. Then, external air transferred by the actuator 75 via the air inlet 76a is introduced into the air bag 74, and an internal pressure of the air bag 74 increases. Accordingly, the volume of the air bag 74 may increase corresponding to an external pressure. Then, as the air bag 74 expands in volume only in the horizontal direction, the interval between the barrier walls increases, thereby increasing the curvature of the first backing layer.
  • FIG. 14A is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method of decreasing a curvature of a backing layer without vertical movement of a backing layer adjusting unit 71b including a motor 80 and a lead screw 78 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 14B is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method of increasing the curvature of the backing layer without vertical movement of the backing layer adjusting unit 71b including the motor 80 and the lead screw 78.
  • the backing layer adjusting unit 71b including the motor and the lead screw 78 may include a housing 77, a motor 80, a screw 78, and a packing 79.
  • the motor 80 may perform a fastening operation in accordance with a control signal from the controller to move the screw 78 toward both sides of the backing layer adjusting unit 71b, thereby increasing the curvature of the first backing layer.
  • the motor 80 may perform a loosening operation to move the screw 78 toward the backing layer adjusting unit 71b, thereby decreasing the curvature of the first backing layer.
  • the motor 80 may be a permanent magnet, a servo motor, a brushless (BL) motor, a DC motor, or an AC motor.
  • the motor 80 may also have various other shapes suitable for changing the curvature of the first backing layer by providing power to the backing layer using the screw 78.
  • the screw 78 is a power conversion element that includes a metal wing having a spiral surface at an end of a rotation shaft and converts rotational force into linear force while rotating, thereby moving in the axial direction.
  • the screw 78 receives power from the motor 80 and rotates along the spiral surface formed in the housing 77 to move toward both sides of the backing layer adjusting unit 71b or toward the center of the backing layer adjusting unit 71b.
  • the screw 78 may be a lead screw 78.
  • the screw 78 may also have various other shapes suitable for adjusting the curvature of the first backing layer by receiving power from the motor 80.
  • the screw 78 may be formed of a metal or plastic. In addition, various other rigid materials may also be used to form the screw 78 as long as the screw 78 may move along the spiral surface of the housing 77 by using power received from the motor 80.
  • the packing 79 may be a power conversion element provided at an end of the screw 78 and transferring linear force of the screw 78, which moves by converting the rotational force received from the motor 80 into the linear force, to the backing layer.
  • the packing 79 may be formed of rubber having elasticity to relieve impact applied to the backing layer.
  • the packing 79 may be formed of various other materials and may have various shapes suitable for transferring the linear force to the backing layer while relieving impact.
  • the controller when the controller receives an input signal to diagnose a region to be diagnosed in a long focal length, the controller transmits a control signal to the motor 80. Then, the motor 80 may perform a loosening operation and transfer rotational force to the screw 78.
  • the screw 78 converts the rotational force received from the motor 80 into linear force using a rotating wing of the screw 78 and the spiral surface of the housing 77 corresponding to the rotating wing of the screw 78.
  • the screw 78 may move toward the center of the backing layer adjusting unit 71b by using the linear force.
  • the interval between the barrier walls decreases, thereby decreasing the curvature of the first backing layer.
  • the curvature of the piezoelectric layer 30 disposed on the top surface of the first backing layer and having flexibility and the curvature of the matching layer 20 disposed on the top surface of the piezoelectric layer 30 and having flexibility decrease in accordance with the decreased curvature of the first backing layer.
  • the focal length of the ultrasonic probe increases.
  • the controller when the controller receives an input signal to diagnose a region to be diagnosed in a short focal length, the controller transmits a control signal to the motor 80. Then, the motor 80 may perform a fastening operation and transfer rotational force thereof to the screw 78.
  • the screw 78 converts the rotational force received from the motor 80 into linear force using the rotating wing of the screw 78 and the spiral surface of the housing 77 corresponding to the rotating wing of the screw 78.
  • the screw 78 may move toward both sides of the backing layer adjusting unit 71b by using the linear force.
  • the packing 79 transfers the linear force of the screw 78, which moves to the both sides of the backing layer adjusting unit 71b, the interval between the barrier walls increases, thereby increasing the curvature of the first backing layer.
  • the curvature of the piezoelectric layer 30 disposed on the top surface of the first backing layer and having flexibility and the curvature of the matching layer 20 disposed on the top surface of the piezoelectric layer 30 and having flexibility increase in accordance with the increased curvature of the first backing layer. As a result, the focal length of the ultrasonic probe decreases.
  • FIG. 15A is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method of decreasing a curvature of a backing layer without vertical movement of a backing layer adjusting unit 71c including a motor 82 and a cam 81 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 15B is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method of increasing the curvature of the backing layer without vertical movement of the backing layer adjusting unit 71c including the motor 82 and the cam 81.
  • the backing layer adjusting unit 71c may include a cam 81 and a motor 82.
  • the cam 81 which is a plate-shaped device having a particular shape or groove and performing rotational motion or reciprocating motion, may be a power conversion element for transforming a rotational motion or a reciprocating motion into another reciprocating motion or a rocking motion.
  • a horizontal axial length of the cam 81 may be different from a vertical axial length thereof, and the cam 81 may have a gently curved external surface and contact the backing layer. Since the horizontal axial length of the cam 81 is different from the vertical axial length thereof, and the external surface of the cam 81 contacts the backing layer, the interval between the barrier walls 44b may increase and decrease while the motor 82 rotates.
  • the motor 82 performs a rotational motion in accordance with a control signal from the controller, in a state of being connected to the cam 81 and transfers a rotational force to the cam 81 to increase or decrease the curvature of the first backing layer.
  • the motor 82 may be a permanent magnet, a servo motor, a brushless (BL) motor, a DC motor, or an AC motor.
  • the motor 82 may also have various other shapes suitable for changing the curvature of the first backing layer by providing the rotational force to the cam 81.
  • the controller when the controller receives an input signal to diagnose a region to be diagnosed in a long focal length, the controller transmits a control signal to the motor 82. Then, the motor 82 may perform a rotational motion and transfer rotational force to the cam 81. When a shorter portion of the cam 81 contacts the backing layer, the curvature of the first backing layer decreases. In addition, the curvature of the piezoelectric layer 30 disposed on the top surface of the first backing layer and having flexibility and the curvature of the matching layer 20 disposed on the top surface of the piezoelectric layer 30 and having flexibility decrease in accordance with the decreased curvature of the first backing layer. As a result, the focal length of the ultrasonic probe increases.
  • the controller when the controller receives an input signal to diagnose a region to be diagnosed in a short focal length, the controller transmits a control signal to the motor 82. Then, the motor 82 may perform a rotational motion and transfer rotational force to the cam 81.
  • the curvature of the first backing layer increases.
  • the curvature of the piezoelectric layer 30 disposed on the top surface of the first backing layer and having flexibility and the curvature of the matching layer 20 disposed on the top surface of the piezoelectric layer 30 and having flexibility increase in accordance with the increased curvature of the first backing layer. As a result, the focal length of the ultrasonic probe decreases.
  • FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method of merging three ultrasonic images acquired using different focal zones adjusted by changing a curvature of a backing layer corresponding to three segmented regions according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method of merging three ultrasonic images in which ultrasonic waves are respectively focused on different regions according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • a focal distance of the acoustic module may decrease (111). As the curvature of the acoustic module decreases, the focal distance of the acoustic module may increase (112). In addition, the acoustic module may have a maximum focal distance at a minimum curvature (113).
  • Ultrasonic images acquired using ultrasonic signals received from three segmented regions may be merged into a single image by an image processor (114).
  • the merged image may have an increased focal distance (114).
  • the acoustic module has a first curvature that is a higher curvature (121), ultrasonic signals are focused on one region 122 closer to the acoustic module (131), and the other region 123 is out of focus.
  • the acoustic module has a second curvature that is a middle curvature (124)
  • ultrasonic signals are focused on one region 125 at a mid-point (132) between the acoustic module and a target, and the other region 126 is out of focus.
  • the acoustic module has a third curvature that is a lower curvature (127)
  • ultrasonic signals are focused on one region 128 farther from the acoustic module (133), and the other region 129 is out of focus.
  • FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a method of merging ultrasonic images by setting a region of interest (ROI) and a segmentation number (n_i).
  • ROI region of interest
  • n_i segmentation number
  • operations S20 and S30 may be performed. However, if the current segmentation number (n_p) is identical to the segmentation number (n_i) set through the input unit, an image processor of the controller may merge ultrasonic images corresponding to the set segmentation number (n_i).
  • the ultrasonic probe may provide efficient focusing by adjusting the focal zone by changing curvatures of the matching layer and the piezoelectric layer in accordance with a changed curvature of the backing layer.

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Claims (15)

  1. Ultraschallsonde (10), welche Folgendes aufweist:
    eine Anpassungsschicht (20), die flexibel ausgebildet ist;
    eine piezoelektrische Schicht (30), die flexibel ausgebildet ist und benachbart zu der Anpassungsschicht (20) angeordnet ist;
    eine erste Trägerschicht (41), die flexibel ausgebildet ist und benachbart zu der piezoelektrischen Schicht (30) angeordnet ist;
    eine zweite Trägerschicht (43), die benachbart zu der ersten Trägerschicht (41) angeordnet ist und eine Vielzahl von Trägermaterialschichten aufweist; und
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
    sie des Weiteren Folgendes aufweist:
    Einstelleinheiten (71) für die zweite Trägerschicht, die jeweils zwischen jeweils zwei benachbarten Schichten der Vielzahl von Trägermaterialschichten der zweiten Trägerschicht (43) angeordnet sind und dafür vorgesehen sind, einen Intervallabstand zwischen den jeden zwei benachbarten Schichten der Vielzahl von Trägermaterialschichten einzustellen,
    wobei die Anpassungsschicht, die piezoelektrische Schicht und die erste Trägerschicht in einer ersten Richtung gestapelt sind und die Vielzahl von Trägermaterialschichten der zweiten Trägerschicht in einer zweiten Richtung senkrecht zu der ersten Richtung gestapelt sind.
  2. Ultraschallsonde (10) nach Anspruch 1, welche des Weiteren Befestigungseinheiten aufweist, die an beiden Seiten der zweiten Trägerschicht (43) angeordnet sind und die Vielzahl von Trägermaterialschichten befestigen.
  3. Ultraschallsonde (10) nach Anspruch 1, wobei eine mittlere Trägermaterialschicht (43a) unter der Vielzahl von Trägermaterialschichten der zweiten Trägerschicht (43) an der ersten Trägerschicht (41) befestigt ist, um sich nicht in der zweiten Richtung zu bewegen.
  4. Ultraschallsonde (10) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Einstelleinheiten (71) für die zweite Trägerschicht jeweils den Abstand zwischen jeweils zwei der Vielzahl von Trägermaterialschichten durch Bewegen in der zweiten Richtung einstellen.
  5. Ultraschallsonde (10) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Einstelleinheiten (71) für die zweite Trägerschicht jeweils den Abstand zwischen jeweils zwei der Vielzahl von Trägermaterialschichten durch Bewegen in der ersten Richtung einstellen.
  6. Ultraschallsonde (10) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die piezoelektrische Schicht (30) aus einem Keramikkomplex gebildet ist.
  7. Ultraschallsonde (10) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die piezoelektrische Schicht (30) eine Vielzahl von piezoelektrischen Schichten (30) aufweist, die in einer Matrixanordnung, einer linearen Anordnung, einer konvexen Anordnung, einer gestuften Anordnung oder einer konkaven Anordnung angeordnet sind.
  8. Ultraschallsonde (10) nach Anspruch 1, welche des Weiteren ein Steuergerät (12) zum Steuern des Betriebs der Einstelleinheiten (71) für die zweite Trägerschicht und der piezoelektrischen Schicht (30) aufweist.
  9. Ultraschallsonde (10) nach Anspruch 8, wobei das Steuergerät (12) einen Fokusbereich von Ultraschallwellen durch Einstellen der Einstelleinheiten (71) für die zweite Trägerschicht steuert.
  10. Ultraschallsonde (10), welche Folgendes aufweist:
    eine Anpassungsschicht (20), die flexibel ausgebildet ist;
    eine piezoelektrische Schicht (30), die flexibel ausgebildet ist und benachbart zu der Anpassungsschicht (20) angeordnet ist;
    eine erste Trägerschicht (41), die flexibel ausgebildet ist und benachbart zu der piezoelektrischen Schicht (30) angeordnet ist und die eine Obergrenze aufweist, die parallel zu der piezoelektrischen Schicht angeordnet ist und Grenzwände aufweist, die senkrecht zu der piezoelektrischen Schicht (30) angeordnet sind;
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
    sie des Weiteren Folgendes aufweist:
    eine zweite Trägerschicht (43), die benachbart zu der ersten Trägerschicht (41) angeordnet ist und eine Vielzahl von Trägermaterialschichten aufweist; und
    eine Einstelleinheit (71) für die erste Trägerschicht, die benachbart zu der zweiten Trägerschicht (43) zwischen den Grenzwänden der ersten Trägerschicht (41) angeordnet ist und die dafür vorgesehen ist, einen Intervallabstand zwischen den Grenzwänden der ersten Trägerschicht (41) einzustellen,
    wobei die Anpassungsschicht, die piezoelektrische Schicht und die Obergrenze der ersten Trägerschicht in einer ersten Richtung gestapelt sind und die Vielzahl von Trägermaterialschichten der zweiten Trägerschicht in einer zweiten Richtung senkrecht zu der ersten Richtung gestapelt sind.
  11. Ultraschallsonde (10) nach Anspruch 10, wobei die Einstelleinheit (71) für die erste Trägerschicht den Abstand zwischen den Grenzwänden der ersten Trägerschicht (41) durch Bewegen in der zweiten Richtung einstellt.
  12. Ultraschallsonde (10) nach Anspruch 10, wobei die piezoelektrische Schicht (30) aus einem Keramikkomplex gebildet ist.
  13. Ultraschallsonde (10) nach Anspruch 10, wobei die piezoelektrische Schicht (30) eine Vielzahl von piezoelektrischen Schichten (30) aufweist, die in einer Matrixanordnung, einer linearen Anordnung, einer konvexen Anordnung, einer gestuften Anordnung oder einer konkaven Anordnung angeordnet sind.
  14. Ultraschallsonde (10) nach Anspruch 10, welche des Weiteren ein Steuergerät (12) zum Steuern des Betriebs der Einstelleinheiten (71) für die erste Trägerschicht und der piezoelektrischen Schicht (30) aufweist.
  15. Ultraschallsonde (10) nach Anspruch 14, wobei das Steuergerät (12) einen Fokusbereich von Ultraschallwellen durch Einstellen der Einstelleinheiten (71) für die erste Trägerschicht steuert.
EP14187033.7A 2014-01-07 2014-09-30 Ultraschallsonde Active EP2891525B1 (de)

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